Display device having conductive member between a bezel and heat radiating plate

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a display panel that displays images and comprises a an outer frame, a light irradiating part that irradiates light toward a back surface of the display panel, a heat radiating plate that radiates heat generated by the light irradiating part and is grounded, a plurality of protective members provided along the outer frame of the display panel, wherein at least one of the plurality of protective members is an opposing protective member that opposes the heat radiating plate, and a conductive member interposed between and electrically connects the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a display device such as a liquid crystal display device.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

Conventionally, in a liquid crystal display device, sheet metal of zero potential and a bezel are electrically connected using a screw as a countermeasure against electrostatic discharge (ESD) or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a rear frame of a conventional liquid crystal display device.

A rear frame 180 is configured by combining a top frame 180A composed of sheet metal, a left frame 180B likewise composed of sheet metal, a right frame 180C likewise composed of sheet metal, and a bottom frame 180D likewise composed of sheet metal.

In the rear frame 180, any one of the frames 180A to 180D is grounded. The entire rear frame 180 thereby becomes zero potential. Moreover, because one of the frames 180A to 180D is electrically connected to the bezel, the bezel also becomes zero potential.

Because the bezel and the rear frame 180 thereby become zero potential, it becomes difficult for electrostatic discharge to occur in the bezel or the rear frame 180, and it becomes possible to protect components inside the liquid crystal display device from electromagnetic interference.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-11012

However, in recent years, configuring the rear frame from resin is desirable for cost reduction. However, when the rear frame is configured of resin, the rear frame and the bezel are not electrically connected because resin has insulating properties. In this case, it becomes easier for electrostatic discharge or electromagnetic interference to occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a display device that can enact countermeasures against electrostatic discharge and/or electromagnetic interference even when a rear frame is configured of resin.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device may comprise: a display panel that displays images and comprises a an outer frame; a light irradiating part that irradiates light toward a back surface of the display panel; a heat radiating plate that radiates heat generated by the light irradiating part and is grounded; a plurality of protective members provided along the outer frame of the display panel, wherein at least one of the plurality of protective members is an opposing protective member that opposes the heat radiating plate; and a conductive member interposed between and electrically connects the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate.

According to one or more embodiments of this configuration, for example, the conductive member electrically connects the opposing protective member that opposes the grounded heat radiating plate and the heat radiating plate. Because of this, the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate become zero potential, static electricity becomes less likely to occur in the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate, and components inside the display device can be protected from electromagnetic interference.

As a result, for example, countermeasures against electrostatic discharge and/or electromagnetic interference can be enacted even when a rear frame is configured of resin.

According to one or more embodiments, the opposing protective member may comprise an opening, and the conductive member may be interposed between the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate so as to block the opening.

According to one or more embodiments this configuration, for example, because the opening is formed on the protective member opposing the heat radiating plate, and the conductive member contacts the protective member so as to block the opening, a worker or the like looking in the opening can visually recognize if the conductive member is inadvertently not disposed during an assembly process of the display device.

According to one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of protective members may comprise: a conductive layer; a plating layer layered on a front surface of the conductive layer; and another plating layer layered on a back surface of the conductive layer, and the opening of the opposing protective member may be formed by applying a burring process to the opposing protective member.

According to one or more embodiments of this configuration, for example, the protective member is formed by layering the plating layer on the front and back surfaces of the conductive layer, and the opening of the protective layer opposing the heat radiating plate is formed by applying the burring process.

As a result, for example, the conductive layer is exposed in the opening even when the front and back surfaces of the protective member opposing the heat radiating plate are plating layers with conductivity, and the protective member opposing the heat radiating plate and the heat radiating plate can therefore be electrically connected.

According to one or more embodiments, the heat radiating plate may comprise a cut and raised portion formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member may contact the cut and raised portion.

As a result, for example, because the cut and raised portion is formed in the direction toward the opposing protective member on the heat radiating plate, a length of the conductive member can be reduced by a height of the cut and raised portion.

As a result, for example, a reduction in cost can be provided.

According to one or more embodiments, the heat radiating plate may further comprise a raised part formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member may contact the raised part.

According to one or more embodiments of this configuration, because the raised part is formed in the direction toward the opposing protective member on the heat radiating plate, the length of the conductive member can be reduced by a length of the raised part.

As a result, for example, a reduction in cost can be provided.

According to one or more embodiments, the conductive member may be a gasket having conductivity.

As a result, for example, because the conductive material is formed by the conventionally existing gasket having conductivity, there is no need to create a new, dedicated conductive member. A reduction in cost, for example, can therefore be provided.

According to one or more embodiments, the conductive member may be elastic.

As a result, for example, because the conductive member has elasticity, the conductive member firmly contacts a discharge plate and the protective member opposing the discharge plate. As a result, a firm electrical connection between the discharge plate and the protective member can be performed.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, countermeasures against electrostatic discharge and/or electromagnetic interference can be enacted even when the rear frame is configured of resin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a liquid crystal display device according to one or more embodiments of a first example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded state of the liquid crystal display device in FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the first example.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view representing a main portion of a liquid crystal display according to one or more embodiments of the first example.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a state where a substrate mounting part and a heat radiating plate are mounted to a rear frame according to one or more embodiments of the first example.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating of a configuration of a main portion of the heat radiating plate according to one or more embodiments of the first example.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the first example.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view representing a main portion of a liquid crystal display device according to one or more embodiments of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a rear frame of a conventional liquid crystal display device according to one or more embodiments of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below using drawings. In the present embodiments a liquid crystal display device is exemplified as a display device relating to the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may use any device that seeks countermeasures against electrostatic discharge and/or electromagnetic interference.

Furthermore, each embodiment described below illustrates a comprehensive or specific example of the present invention. Components, disposed positions and connection modes of the components, and the like illustrated in the embodiments below are but an example and not meant to limit the present invention. Moreover, among the components in the embodiments below, components not described in the independent claims, which provide the highest level description, will be described as optional components.

First Example Configuration of Liquid Crystal Display Device

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external appearance of a liquid crystal display device relating to one or more embodiments of a first example of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded state of the liquid crystal display device in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, “X1 direction” represents a left direction and “X2 direction” a right direction. Moreover, “Y1 direction” represents an up direction and “Y2 direction” a down direction. Moreover, “Z1 direction” represents a front direction and “Z2 direction” a rear direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display device 10 is provided with a front cabinet 11, bezels (protective members) 12A to 12D, a liquid crystal panel (display panel) 13, a mold frame 14, an optical sheet 15, a light guide plate 16, a heat radiating plate 17, a rear frame 18, and a rear cover 19. The optical sheet 15 is configured from a plurality of members such as a diffusion plate.

The bezels 12A to 12D are provided along an outer frame of the liquid crystal panel 13 to protect the outer frame. Among the bezels 12A to 12D, the bezel 12A on a right side is an opposing bezel (opposing protective member) that opposes the heat radiating plate 17. Therefore, the bezel 12A on the right side is referred to below as an opposing bezel 12A.

A frame configured from the bezels 12A to 12D is formed by mounting the bezel on the right side (i.e., the opposing bezel) 12A, the bezel 12B on a left side, the bezel 12C on a top side, and the bezel 13D on a bottom side to the outer frame of the liquid crystal panel 13.

The mold frame 14 is a frame for supporting the frame of the liquid crystal panel 13 from a back surface side thereof. As will be described below, a space that disposes the liquid crystal panel 13 and a rib for forming a space that disposes the optical sheet 15 are provided on the mold frame 14.

The light guide plate 16 is provided on the heat radiating plate 17 so that a right end thereof opposes an LED 41 (see FIG. 4). The light guide plate 16 is configured of, for example, acrylic resin or the like, and guides light irradiated from the LED 41 to a reflective sheet that will be described below.

The heat radiating plate 17 is formed of metal with high conductivity, such as aluminum or the like. As will be described below, a plurality of LEDs 41 are disposed in a vertical direction on a right side of the heat radiating plate 17. The heat radiating plate 17 radiates heat generated by each LED 41 into the atmosphere.

The rear frame 18 is formed of resin having insulating properties, such as plastic.

(Configuration of Main Portion of the Liquid Crystal Display)

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view representing a main portion of a liquid crystal display relating to one or more embodiments of the first example of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a state where a substrate mounting part 20 and the heat radiating plate 17 are mounted to the rear frame 18.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, an opening 18A into which the substrate mounting part 20 is fitted is formed on the rear frame 18. The substrate mounting part 20 is formed of a conductive body such as aluminum, and a substrate (not illustrated) mounted with electronic components is mounted on a back surface thereof. The substrate mounting part 20 is fitted into the opening 18A with the substrate mounted on the back surface thereof.

Furthermore, a heat radiating plate mounting part 18B with a shape that follows an outline of the heat radiating plate 17 is formed on the rear frame 18. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the substrate mounting part 20 and the heat radiating plate 17 make contact when the heat radiating plate mounting part 18B is mounted on the heat radiating plate 17 in a state where the substrate mounting part 20 is fitted into the opening 18A. The substrate mounting part 20 and the heat radiating plate 17 are thereby electrically connected.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration of a main portion of the heat radiating plate 17. The heat radiating plate 17 is bent 90° relative to a top surface of the heat radiating plate 17 in a bent portion 170 that is parallel to a long direction of the heat radiating plate 17. A bent portion 171 that extends in the long direction of the heat radiating plate 17 is thereby formed.

An LED bar (light irradiating part) 40 is provided on a short direction side of the heat radiating plate 17 on the bent portion 171 so as to irradiate light from the LED 41 toward a short direction of the heat radiating plate 17. The plurality of LEDs 41 is linearly disposed on the LED bar 40. This LED bar 40 is disposed along the long direction of the heat radiating plate 17. The light guide plate 16 is disposed on the heat radiating plate 17 so that a lateral surface thereof follows along the LED bar 40.

Furthermore, a raised part 17B is formed on the heat radiating plate 17. Functions of the raised part 17B will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, an illustration and description of the front cabinet 11 will be omitted for ease of the description. Moreover, in FIG. 5, “X1 direction” represents a left direction and “X2 direction” a right direction of the liquid crystal display device 10. Moreover, “Y1 direction” represents an up direction and “Y2 direction” a down direction of the liquid crystal display device 10. Moreover, “Z2 direction” represents a rear direction of the liquid crystal display device 10.

As described above, the heat radiating plate 17 is mounted on a top surface of the rear frame 18. The light guide plate 16 is disposed on the top surface of the heat radiating plate 17 via a cushion member 34. The reflective sheet 31 is disposed so as to cover a back surface of the light guide plate 16. The mold frame 14 is disposed on the light guide plate 16.

The mold frame 14 is provided with a first rib 14A, a second rib 14B, and a frame body 14C. The first rib 14A secures a region where the liquid crystal panel 13 is disposed by a tip of the first rib 14A contacting the opposing bezel 12A. The liquid crystal panel 13 is disposed in this region.

The second rib 14B secures a region where the optical sheet 15 is disposed by contacting an upper front surface of the light guide plate 16. The optical sheet 15 is disposed in this region.

The frame body 14C supports the liquid crystal panel 13 from a back surface of the liquid crystal panel 13 via a cushion member 32 formed of resin such as a high-density micro-cell polymer sheet (PORON) or silicon.

The opposing bezel 12A is disposed so that an upper portion thereof opposes the heat radiating plate 17. A cut and raised portion 17A is formed in a direction toward the opposing bezel 12A on an end portion of the heat radiating plate 17. A resin 33 for protecting an inner side of a right portion of the opposing bezel 12A is disposed between the right portion of the opposing bezel 12A and the cut and raised portion 17A.

An opening 120 is formed on an upper portion side of the opposing bezel 12A. A conductive member 30 is disposed between the upper portion side of the opposing bezel 12A and the cut and raised portion 17A. This conductive member 30 is configured from, for example, a gasket having conductivity and contacts the upper portion side of the opposing bezel 12A and the cut and raised portion 17. The opposing bezel 12A and the heat radiating plate 17 are thereby electrically connected.

When configuring the conductive member 30 from the gasket, the gasket has elasticity. If the conductive member 30 has elasticity, the conductive member 30 firmly contacts the opposing bezel 12A and the cut and raised portion 17A due to elasticity.

(Operation of the Liquid Crystal Display Device)

Next, an operation of the liquid crystal display device according to one or more embodiments will be briefly described. In this liquid crystal display device 10, lighting the plurality of LEDs 41 (see FIG. 4) emits light from the plurality of LEDs 41.

The light from the plurality of LEDs 41 becomes incident to the lateral surface of the light guide plate 16. The light incident to the lateral surface of the light guide plate 16 is transmitted inside the light guide plate 16 while being reflected by the reflective sheet 31 and is emitted in a front direction from the top surface of the light guide plate 16. The light emitted from the top surface of the light guide plate 16 becomes incident to the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 13 after passing through the optical sheet 15.

In the liquid crystal display device 10 of such a configuration, the LED 41 generates heat. This heat is transmitted to the heat radiating plate 17. The heat transmitted to the heat radiating plate 17 is radiated into the atmosphere.

As described above, according to one or more embodiments of the first example of the invention, interposing the conductive member 30 between the opposing bezel 12A and the heat radiating plate 17 electrically connects the opposing bezel 12A and the heat radiating plate 17.

Because the opposing bezel 12A, the bezels 12B to 12D electrically connected to the opposing bezel 12A, and the heat radiating plate 17 thereby become zero potential, it becomes difficult for static electricity to form in the bezels 12A to 12D or the heat radiating plate 17, and it becomes possible to protect components inside the liquid crystal display device 1 (for example, the liquid crystal panel) from electromagnetic interference.

As a result, countermeasures against electrostatic discharge and/or electromagnetic interference can be enacted even when the rear frame 18 is configured of resin.

Furthermore, a shape of the heat radiating plate 17 does not need to be made complex for screwing because there is no need to screw together the opposing bezel 12A and the heat radiating plate 17. As a result, a finishing precision of the heat radiating plate 17 improves, and the heat radiating plate 17 becomes less likely to warp. Because an irradiation range of the LED 41 thereby becomes less likely to change, reduction in image quality on the liquid display panel 13 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the conductive member 30 is exposed from the opening 120 because the opening 120 is formed on a front portion of the opposing bezel 12A. Forgetting to dispose the conductive member 30 in an assembly configuration of the liquid crystal display device 10 can thereby be reduced by a worker or the like looking in the opening 120.

Furthermore, a length of the conductive member 30 can be reduced by a height of the cut and raised portion 17A because the cut and raised portion 17A is formed on the heat radiating plate 17. As a result, a reduction in cost can be provided.

In FIG. 5, the conductive member 30 can be prevented from falling off if the conductive member 30 is clamped and fixed by the resin 33 and the mold frame 14.

Second Example

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view representing a main portion of a liquid crystal display device relating to one or more embodiments of a second embodiment of the present invention. This cross-sectional view is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 1. Moreover, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as in FIG. 5 and descriptions thereof omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a raised part 17B is provided in a direction toward an opposing bezel 12A on a heat radiating plate 17. As illustrated in FIG. 4, this raised part 17B is configured by a cylindrical metal member being mounted by welding on a top surface of the heat radiating plate 17.

An optical sheet 15 is disposed above the raised part 17B. Moreover, a light guide plate 16 on which this optical sheet 15 is mounted and a reflective sheet 31 are also disposed above the raised part 17B.

A mold frame 140 supports a liquid crystal panel 13 from a back surface of the liquid crystal panel 13 in the same manner as the mold frame 14 described above. The mold frame 140 has a third rib 14C. A tip of the third rib 14C secures a region that disposes the liquid crystal panel 13 by contacting the opposing bezel 12A.

A cushion member 32 formed of resin such as high-density micro-cell polymer sheet (PORON) or silicon is disposed on a front surface and the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 13 and protects the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal panel 13.

The heat radiating plate 17 has a bent portion 17C configured by bending a metal plate, which increases a surface area of the heat radiating plate 17. A radiating effect of the heat radiating plate 17 is thereby improved.

Meanwhile, an opening 12 with a rim 121A raised in a back surface direction of the liquid crystal display 10 is formed on the opposing bezel 12A by a burring process. A conductive layer is thereby exposed at a tip 1210 of the rim 121A even when the opposing bezel 12A is formed by layering a plating layer on a front and rear surface of the conductive layer.

Moreover, a conductive member 30 is disposed between the raised part 17B of the heat radiating plate 17 and the opposing bezel 12A, making contact with both.

The conductive member 30 is configured of a gasket having conductivity and elasticity. The conductive member 30 therefore is fitted to the raised part 17B of the heat radiating plate 17 and the rim 121A of the opening 121 of the opposing bezel 12A. Moreover, the conductive member 30 electrically connects the heat radiating plate 17 and the opposing bezel 12A because the conductive layer is exposed at the tip of the rim 121A.

It thereby becomes possible to provide the liquid crystal display device 10 that exhibits the same or similar effects as one or more embodiments of the first example described above.

A switch configuration and the display device relating to the present invention are described above based on one or more embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The present invention may include forms obtained by applying various modifications envisioned by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, and other forms obtained by combining the components of the embodiments.

The present invention is applicable to a device such as, for example, a liquid crystal display device, where electrostatic and/or discharge countermeasures are desired. Although the disclosure has been described with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the attached claims

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 Liquid crystal display device -   12A to 12D Bezel -   13 Liquid crystal panel -   17 Heat radiating plate -   17A Cut and raised portion -   17B Raised part -   18 Rear frame -   30 Conductive member -   40 LED bar -   120, 121 Opening 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a display panel that displays images and comprises a an outer frame; a light irradiating part that irradiates light toward a back surface of the display panel; a heat radiating plate that radiates heat generated by the light irradiating part and is grounded; a plurality of protective members provided along the outer frame of the display panel, wherein at least one of the plurality of protective members is an opposing protective member that opposes the heat radiating plate; and a conductive member interposed between and electrically connects the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate.
 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the opposing protective member comprises an opening, and the conductive member is interposed between the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate so as to block the opening.
 3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of protective members comprises: a conductive layer; a plating layer layered on a front surface of the conductive layer; and another plating layer layered on a back surface of the conductive layer, and the opening of the opposing protective member is formed by applying a burring process to the opposing protective member.
 4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the heat radiating plate comprises a cut and raised portion formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member contacts the cut and raised portion.
 5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the heat radiating plate further comprises a raised part formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member contacts the raised part.
 6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of protective members comprises: a conductive layer; a plating layer layered on a front surface of the conductive layer; and another plating layer layered on a back surface of the conductive layer, and the opening of the opposing protective member is formed by applying a burring process to the opposing protective member.
 7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the heat radiating plate comprises a cut and raised portion formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member contacts the cut and raised portion.
 8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the heat radiating plate further comprises a raised part formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member contacts the raised part.
 9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the heat radiating plate comprises a cut and raised portion formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member contacts the cut and raised portion.
 10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the heat radiating plate further comprises a raised part formed in a direction toward the opposing protective member, and the conductive member contacts the raised part.
 11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is a gasket having conductivity.
 12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is elastic.
 13. A method for forming a display device, comprising: providing an outer frame on a display panel that displays images; providing a light irradiating part that irradiates light toward a back surface of the display panel; providing a heat radiating plate that radiates heat generated by the light irradiating part and is grounded; providing a plurality of protective members along the outer frame of the display panel, wherein at least one of the plurality of protective members is an opposing protective member that opposes the heat radiating plate; and interposing a conductive member between and electrically connecting the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate.
 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: forming an opening on the opposing protective member; and interposing the conductive member between the opposing protective member and the heat radiating plate so as to block the opening.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein each of the protective members is formed by layering a plating layer on a front surface of a conductive layer and another plating layer on a back surface of the conductive layer, and the opening of the opposing protective member is formed by applying a burring process to the opposing protective member.
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein each of the protective members is formed by layering a plating layer on a front surface of a conductive layer and another plating layer on a back surface of the conductive layer, and the opening of the opposing protective member is formed by applying a burring process to the opposing protective member.
 17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: forming a cut and raised portion on the heat radiating plate in a direction toward the opposing protective member so that the conductive member contacts the cut and raised portion.
 18. The display device according to claim 13, wherein forming a raised part formed on the heat radiating plate in a direction toward the opposing protective member so that the conductive member contacts the raised part.
 19. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the conductive member is a gasket having conductivity.
 20. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the conductive member is elastic. 